MP GREG Clark is seeking urgent talks with a government minister to ensure that improvement works on the A21 are started without more delays.

Mr Clark (Con),MP for Tunbridge Wells, vowed to take his fight to the new Roads Minister, Lord Adonis, when he held a summit with fellow West Kent and East Sussex MPs and council leaders in Westminster on Monday.

The campaigners want the A21 to be dualled between Tonbridge and Pembury and Kippings Cross and Lamberhurst despite the economic climate which is putting many road schemes at risk.

Mr Clark planned to add further pressure yesterday when he addressed the Regional Transport Board which advises the minister on road priorities in the South East.

He said “The economic climate has cast many road schemes into doubt and we cannot afford to let this happen to the dualling of the A21. It is essential to relieve local traffic congestion and provide access to the new Pembury Hospital.

“There was unanimous and cross-party support from MPs, council leaders, representatives from the hospital Trust and local business and regeneration bodies that we must act now to seek assurances from the new Minister on improvements to both stretches of the road. Nothing can be taken for granted until we see the work begin.

“We welcome the Government’s intention this summer to start the Tonbridge to Pembury section in 2011-12, but this was only brought forward after a further two- year delay. The start date for improvements between Kippings Cross and Lamberhurst remains unchanged.

“We need to look the new Minister in the eye to get his assurance that no further delay can be countenanced and his agreement that the economic downturn now makes the improvements even more urgent.”